Illinois and nationwide, Black and Latinx people are more likely to be incarcerated than white people. This disparity is identified as a significant driver in mass incarceration and results from over policing of people of color, who are more likely to be charged with more serious crimes, more likely to be pressured to plea and more likely to be sentenced to time in prison. The starting point for disparity begins with unnecessary interactions with law enforcement, that include the intensive use of surveillance tools in communities of color and higher rates of traffic and pedestrian stops for Black and Latinx people.
Systemic Reform and Racial Disparities - Cook County State's Attorney Candidate Questionnaire
Eileen O'Neill Burke
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Do you believe that people of color in Illinois and Cook County are disproportionately incarcerated? What role, if any, do you believe that the State’s Attorney plays in the disproportionate incarceration of people of color? What specific steps will you/your office take to reduce the disproportionate incarceration of people of color in your first term?
BURKE: Yes. As a former defense attorney, judge, and prosecutor, I have seen this disparity firsthand and recognize that systemic bias and poorly thought out policies fashioned over decades created this disparity. One of the reasons I am passionate about revamping the structure of the State’s Attorney’s office, embedding a robust training curriculum, and making sure the SAO partners are working in sync with our efforts is because I believe our criminal justice system isn’t working right now. If it isn’t working and people don’t have faith in it, then it can’t protect them as well as possible.The passage of the SAFE-T Act exemplifies a significant step towards reforming our laws to prioritize fair outcomes over systemic biases. Prior to the enactment of this legislation, individuals, primarily from marginalized communities, were unjustly held in pre-trial detention due to their economic status. The SAFE-T Act now ensures a more equitable system, where individuals are assessed based on their risk to the community rather than their financial means.
My approach centers on strategic collaboration, effective prosecution, and a holistic strategy to combat crime in our community. Through these measures, I am steadfast in my commitment to reducing the disproportionate incarceration rates of people of color in Cook County. Moreover, my enduring dedication to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and integrating their perspectives into my work underscores my ongoing efforts to address the impacts of systemic discrimination on those most affected.
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As State’s Attorney, what policies would you implement to address the other forms of racial bias that permeate our criminal legal system?
BURKE: As State’s Attorney, addressing other forms of racial bias within our criminal legal system requires a careful approach focused on transparency, accountability, education, and advocacy. First, I would prioritize increasing transparency throughout the office by implementing measures to collect and publish data that highlight patterns of progress and areas of improvement in addressing racial bias. This transparency ensures accountability and allows for ongoing evaluation of our efforts. Second, I would create mandatory training programs for all employees at the State's Attorney's office aimed at raising awareness of various forms of racial bias and providing strategies to mitigate them. These programs would encompass cultural competency training, implicit bias recognition, and strategies for promoting equitable outcomes in our work. While I cannot directly create legislation, I am committed to supporting initiatives that aim to reduce racial bias and discrimination throughout the State's Attorney's office and beyond. By implementing these goals, I am dedicated to fostering a more equitable and just criminal legal system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Bob Fioretti
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Do you believe that people of color in Illinois and Cook County are disproportionately incarcerated? What role, if any, do you believe that the State’s Attorney plays in the disproportionate incarceration of people of color? What specific steps will you/your office take to reduce the disproportionate incarceration of people of color in your first term?
FIORETTI: AWAITING CANDIDATE"S RESPONSE
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As State’s Attorney, what policies would you implement to address the other forms of racial bias that permeate our criminal legal system?
FIORETTI: AWAITING CANDIDATE"S RESPONSE
Andrew Charles Kopinski
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Do you believe that people of color in Illinois and Cook County are disproportionately incarcerated? What role, if any, do you believe that the State’s Attorney plays in the disproportionate incarceration of people of color? What specific steps will you/your office take to reduce the disproportionate incarceration of people of color in your first term?
KOPINSKI: The war on drugs and disproportionate
sentences for crack cocaine versus powdered
cocaine helped produce disproportionate
incarceration of people of color.
Unfortunately, crime rates snd victimization
are higher in certain areas among people of
color, which leads to relatively more
incarceration of those committing crimes
often against their own people.
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As State’s Attorney, what policies would you implement to address the other forms of racial bias that permeate our criminal legal system?
KOPINSKI: Education and economic opportunities can
help those reentering society. Diversion
programs to treat mentally illness and drug
abuse can reduce recidivism.